If you’re thinking of studying music through Avondale Conservatorium, the following FAQs provide useful information about the specific entry requirements and the audition process.
If you don’t think you have the required minimum performance standard you are strongly recommended to seek the assistance of an instrumental or vocal tutor who can guide your development and preparation for an audition.
If you do not have the minimum theory / musicianship requirements you can prepare yourself by completing AMEB Music Craft Grade 2. The Music Craft syllabus is preferred by Avondale Conservatorium as it aligns more closely to the nomenclature used in higher music education. You can order the Music Craft Student Workbooks 2A and 2B through the AMEB music website: https://www.ameb.edu.au/shop/theory-speech-teaching/music-craft/music-craft-student-workbooks.html These books are also available for purchase at the Avondale campus book store or accessed through Avondale campus library. You can sit the exam for AMEB Music Craft Grade 2 online. The pass mark is 65%. The following link will direct you how to register, practice and sit the online exam https://www.amebexams.edu.au
If you have already attained the minimum level of theory / musicianship you should not have any problem with the evaluation. The Theory part is a visual evaluation of your knowledge and understanding of key signatures, time signatures, scales, intervals, chords, harmonic progressions and analysis of scores. The Musicianship part is an aural evaluation of your knowledge and understanding of scales, intervals, chords, form and analysis of scores. If you want to be really well prepared for the evaluation then work your way up through the music craft workbooks until you get to the end of level 2B workbook and sit the online exam. Most applicants say these workbooks are extremely helpful in preparing for the evaluation.
Yes, you can send us a digital recording/link or you may be able to audition on Orientation Day, provided that the rest of your application is in order. Contact the Music Administrator to discuss.
Can I submit a DVD recording or send a link to a digital platform (eg. youtube / dropbox / google drive etc) as a substitute for a live audition? Yes, you may submit a DVD recording or digital platform link if you are unable to attend a live audition.
Yes, you may send us an audio/video recording of a recent performance eg. HSC music performance exams, AMEB performance exams, public performances in recitals, concerts, festivals, shows, church worship etc. These are all excellent ways to provide easy evidence of your performance abilities.
No, audition recordings being sent in must be an audio and video recording of you performing on your instrument / voice.
The required standards and/or qualifications are important for ensuring students will be adequately prepared to maximise their learning experience through Avondale Conservatorium. You can prepare your theory / musicianship standard by working your way through the AMEB Music Craft series. See step 2 above for further details. If you don’t think you have the required minimum performance standard you are strongly recommended to seek the assistance of an instrumental or vocal tutor who can guide your development and preparation for an audition. Please also speak to the Director of Music as exceptions can be made if your performance audition is at a suitable standard without the performance certificate.
In cases where students are missing either performance or musicianship / theory skills, but meet the requirements for the other, they may be permitted to enrol in one area (and not the other) for that semester or year. Students would be expected to make up the required skills during the semester or year before enrolling in the other area. This is negotiated individually and is at the discretion of the Director of Music.
